Implication of a healthcare worker with chronic skin disease in the transmission of an epidemic strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a pediatric intensive care unit

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2003 Apr;24(4):299-300. doi: 10.1086/502208.

Abstract

This outbreak of colonization of neonates in a 10-bed pediatric intensive care unit illustrates the probable role of a healthcare worker (HCW) in the transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, despite good hygienic practices. It raises the issue of preventive exclusion of HCWs affected by chronic skin disease from high-risk units.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient*
  • Intensive Care Units, Pediatric
  • Methicillin Resistance*
  • Nursing Staff*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Staphylococcal Infections / transmission*
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / transmission*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / pathogenicity*